Hi All,Shared this on some "other" forums but thought some may find it of interest here. This one will be pic heavy, so I apologize in advance!

The bulk of it is shown below, however I estimate there are over 500 letters written to and from the vet so I may be updating this thread as time goes on. all of the letters and documents have been sorted and placed in plastic sleeves, spread out between four 3" binders.

Majority of the letters are written in English however a good amount are also written in German. Letters include those written to/from his parents, friends & co-workers back home & in service, and family living in Europe (Austria).

I present, the grouping of Charles Wahler...

First, a brief synopsis of Charles’ history:

-Charles was born 28th November 1914 in Austria in a Jewish family. In 1938, Charles and his family immigrated to the US, likely to escape the unrest caused by the Nazi’s. Being Austrian born, Charles could read and speak German which would come in handy later during his service.

-26 November 1941 – Charles enlists in the US Army. Goes through Basic at Camp Croft and upon completion is assigned to Co. G, 8th Inf, 4th ID. MOS is infantryman. Not sure what his duties entailed stateside. It’s not until April of 1944 that he completes Military Intelligence Training.

-Upon completion, he is transferred overseas to England and arrives in June of 1944. While in England, he attends Jump School. He qualifies in August of 1944.

-He participates in the Normandy Campaign, however not sure in what capacity. He somehow qualified for participation in the campaign after his arrival in Europe in June 1944 but before the September 1st cut-off.[/li][/list]

-After jump school, he is assigned to the 501st PIR, 101st ABDiv with IPW (Prisoner of War Interrogator) Team 9

I believe his first combat jump is for Operation Market Garden (Rhineland Campaign).

-After this, Charles participated in the Ardennes Campaign (Battle of the Bulge). Several photos of with annotations on the reverse referring to Bastogne.

-He continues to serve with the 501st PIR however it is also noted in the book, "No Victory in Valhalla" by Ian Gardner, service alongside the 506th PIR . After VE Day, he makes his way to the Eagles Nest and Himmler’s Hunting Lodge. Several photos of him and others with the 501st at these locations.

-Per a post-war news article, Charles is eventually responsible for translating documents that would be used in the Nuremberg Trials.

-October 1945 – Charles is honorably discharged from the Army. He returns home to his job with the Philadelphia Record, a local newspaper.

Sadly, Charles passed away in 1991 in Ridley Park, PA. Based on the items in the group, he remained active with the 4th Infantry Division and 101st Airborne Associations after his service.

As you may have well guessed , i think the letters are going to be my favourite pieces !!

LB

Logged

2018 and STILL WANTED! a pair of RAF 1940 Patt boots and RAF life vest Always looking for quality condition USAAF stationary,ephemera,equipment and clothing.Starting to look for the harder to find items e.g. survival kits and items also woukd like to add a complete "Gibson Girl " set up We are here for the collectors, not for profit. (PERIOD!)